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Is Love Weight Fact or Fiction?

Is "love chub" fact or fiction? Unfortunately, it's fact ... at least according to this article in last week's New York Times. But, fortunately, it doesn't have to be that way for you.The article cites a recent study which found...

Is "love chub" fact or fiction? Unfortunately, it's fact ... at least according to this article in last week's New York Times. But, fortunately, it doesn't have to be that way for you.

The article cites a recent study which found that the Body Mass Index (a simple height-to-weight ratio) of married women increases 2 percent above what they would normally gain as they aged (betrothed men increase their BMI by 1.5 percent). In another study, researchers found that married couples were three times more likely to be obese (co-habitating couples double their risk and singles are the least likely to tip the scales).

Here are some reasons why scientists say married folks are more likely to gain weight, and what you can do to stay as healthy and full of energy as possible (and, yes the strategies work for single ladies, too!):

Stop eating like your husband: If you're anything like me, along with your man come his favorite snacks. Chips, beer, ice cream (OK, that last one is mine. But still...). Thing is, men are generally bigger and have more muscle mass, so they can consume and more efficiently burn calories (though, obviously, healthier snacks are better option for him, too). For a great post-dinner sweet hit, roll half of a banana in 1 tablespoon of frozen semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Keep portions under control: I'm sure you've heard about the studies that show that people essentially eat what's put in front of them. So put a giant plate piled with food on the table and you're very likely going to eat lots of calories. Dave and I eat dinner on salad plates (rather than dinner plates) -- a tip I stole from a Registered Dietician ages ago. Also, marginally related: I'm currently reading "Women, Food and God" by Geneen Roth, and it is absolutely making me reconsider my relationship with food (check it out if you haven't!).

Take this quiz to find out if cravings control you, and learn to eat mindfully.

When entertaining, heavy and rich doesn't equal gourmet: Being a couple -- whether you've tied the knot or are serious with your man -- essentially doubles your friends, so you end up entertaining more often. Instead of blowing your guests away with massive amounts of eats, focus on small dishes. They have fewer calories and also happen to look super impressive, too. My fave: Mac 'n' Cheese Minis.

Squeeze in workouts (you don't need a lot of time!): Often, marriage leads to other things such as a house and kids, which leaves little time for the gym. Opt for workouts that burn loads of calories in less time. To get results ASAP, try this cable workout (it lets you work out through your full range of motion so you're hitting mucho muscle) or build your own perfect workout!

When eating out, choose wisely: Next time you're at a restaurant with your husband/fiance/boyfriend/auditioning-BF, make a deal with yourself: Either bread at the start of the meal or three bites of a sinfully good dessert later. Switch it up next time you're out. This will keep empty calories to a minimum.

Get some sleep: Lack of sleep has been linked to weight gain. Check out SELF's Good-Sleep Guide for smart snoozing strategies -- even if he snores like crazy all night long!